Fan assembly

ABSTRACT

A fan assembly includes a first fan and a second fan spaced from the first fan. The first fan includes a first central portion and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion. The second fan includes a second central portion and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion. The fan assembly also includes a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans. The single drive unit is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a fan assembly.

BACKGROUND

A dual fan assembly can be utilized to cool various engine components. One motor is coupled to one of the fans and another motor is coupled to the other one of the fans, and when both motors operate, both fans can rotate to move air. A single controller is in communication with both of the motors to operate the motors, which causes the fans to rotate when desired. The location of the motors relative to the respective fans blocks movement of the air through the respective fans.

A single fan assembly has also been developed. The single fan assembly includes a plurality of magnets that interact with an armature to rotate the fan. A single controller is in communication with the fan and energizes the armature which causes the magnets to move and rotate the fan when desired.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a fan assembly including a first fan and a second fan spaced from the first fan. The first fan includes a first central portion disposed along a first axis and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion and spaced radially away from the first axis. The second fan includes a second central portion disposed along a second axis and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion and spaced radially away from the second axis. The fan assembly also includes a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans. The single drive unit is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.

The present disclosure also provides another fan assembly including a shroud and a first fan supported by the shroud. The first fan includes a first central portion and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion. The fan assembly also includes a second fan spaced from the first fan and supported by the shroud. The second fan includes a second central portion and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion. The fan assembly further includes a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans. The single drive unit is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.

The detailed description and the drawings or Figures are supportive and descriptive of the disclosure, but the claim scope of the disclosure is defined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the claims have been described in detail, various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a vehicle and a fan assembly.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a condenser, radiator and fan module (CRFM), with the fan assembly being part of the CRFM.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the fan assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that all directional references (e.g., above, below, upward, up, downward, down, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, etc.) are used descriptively for the figures to aid the reader's understanding, and do not represent limitations (for example, to the position, orientation, or use, etc.) on the scope of the disclosure, as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the term “substantially” can refer to a slight imprecision or slight variance of a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, etc., some of which that are within manufacturing variance or tolerance ranges.

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 10 and a fan assembly 12 coupled to the vehicle 10 are generally shown in FIG. 1.

The fan assembly 12 can be utilized in a vehicle application or a non-vehicle application. Non-limiting examples of the vehicles 10 can include cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, watercrafts, all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, aircrafts, farm equipment or any other suitable vehicle. Non-limiting examples of the non-vehicles can include machines, farm equipment or any other suitable non-vehicle.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fan assembly 12 includes a first fan 14 and a second fan 16. As best shown in FIG. 3, the first and second fans 14, 16 are spaced from each other. In certain vehicle applications, the fan assembly 12 can be part of a condenser, radiator and fan module (CRFM). FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one non-limiting example of the generally location of the CRFM with the fan assembly 12, and FIG. 2 illustrates a non-limiting example of the assembled components of the CRFM. The CRFM of FIG. 2 can include a condenser 18, a radiator 20 and the fan assembly 12. Additionally, the CRFM can include an air cooler 22 (see FIG. 2).

The CRFM can be disposed between a first end 24 of the vehicle 10 and a passenger compartment 26 of the vehicle 10. Generally, a flow of gaseous fluid (see arrow 28) can enter the first end 24 of the vehicle 10 through a vent or a grill in the direction of the arrow 28 which is then directed toward the CRFM. The components of the CRFM can be in various locations relative to each other. For example, the condenser 18 can be disposed upstream to the air cooler 22, the radiator 20 and the fan assembly 12 relative to the direction of the flow of the gaseous fluid. Furthermore, the air cooler 22 can be disposed between the condenser 18 and the radiator 20. In addition, the radiator 20 can be disposed between the air cooler 22 and the fan assembly 12. As such, the fan assembly 12 can be disposed downstream to the condenser 18, the air cooler 22 and the radiator 20 relative to the direction of the arrow 28. When the fan assembly 12 is operated, gaseous fluid is expelled either toward the first end 24 of the vehicle 10 or toward the passenger compartment 26.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the first fan 14 includes a first central portion 30 and a plurality of first fan blades 32 supported by the first central portion 30. In certain embodiments, the first central portion 30 is disposed along a first axis 34 and the first fan blades 32 are spaced radially away from the first axis 34. The first fan blades 32 are selectively rotatable about the first axis 34. The first fan blades 32 are spaced from each other to create spaces 35 between each of the first fan blades 32 to allow the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough.

As also best shown in FIG. 3, the second fan 16 includes a second central portion 36 and a plurality of second fan blades 38 supported by the second central portion 36. In certain embodiments, the second central portion 36 is disposed along a second axis 40 and the second fan blades 38 are spaced radially away from the second axis 40. The second fan blades 38 are selectively rotatable about the second axis 40. The second fan blades 38 are spaced from each other to create spaces 41 between each of the second fan blades 38 to allow the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough. Generally, the first and second axes 34, 40 are spaced from each other, and in certain embodiments, spaced substantially parallel to each other.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the fan assembly 12 also includes a single drive unit 42 configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans 14, 16. Generally, the single drive unit 42 is spaced from at least one of the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate at least one of the fans 14, 16. The phrase “at least one of” as used herein should be construed to include the non-exclusive logical “or”, i.e., A and/or B and so on depending on the number of components. For example, the single drive unit 42 can be spaced from both of the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate both of the first and second fans 14, 16; or the single drive unit 42 can be spaced from the first fan 14 to indirectly operate the first fan 14; or the single drive unit can be spaced from the second fan 16 to indirectly operate the second fan 16.

In certain embodiments, the single drive unit 42 is coupled to one of the first and second central portions 30, 36 to directly operate the corresponding one of the fans 14, 16, and the single drive unit 42 is spaced from the other one of the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate the other one of the fans 14, 16. Therefore, one drive unit 42, i.e., the single drive unit 42, can operate both fans 14, 16 in a master/slave configuration, which eliminates the need for two separate drive units to operate each fan independently. As such, the number of components for the fan assembly 12 is reduced, which can reduce costs and can provide a space and weight savings. Regarding the master/slave configuration, for example, the first fan 14 can be operated as the master fan and the second fan 16 can be operated as the slave fan. Alternatively, for example, the first fan 14 can be operated as the slave fan and the second fan 16 can be operated as the master fan.

Referring to FIG. 3, one of the first and second fans 14, 16 can include a plurality of magnets 44. In certain embodiments, the magnets 44 are spaced from each other. Simply stated, the magnets 44 can be spaced such that the magnets 44 do not touch each other. It is to be appreciated that the magnets 44 can be any suitable location relative to each other, and FIG. 3 is one suitable example. The single drive unit 42 interacts with the magnets 44 in a spaced apart relationship when indirectly operating the respective one of the first and second fans 14, 16, which causes one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 to rotate about the first and second axes 34, 40 respectively. In certain embodiments, the second fan 16 can include the magnets 44. In other embodiments, the first fan 14 can include the magnets 44. Furthermore, in yet other embodiments, both of the fans 14, 16 can include the magnets 44.

Furthermore, the single drive unit 42 can include an armature 46 (best shown in FIG. 3) disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the magnets 44. Generally, the armature 46 is disposed in a fixed position relative to the magnets 44. The single drive unit 42 is configured to electrify the armature 46 when operating the respective one of the first and second fans 14, 16 which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38. Therefore, the single drive unit 42 is configured to indirectly operate one of the first and second fans 14, 16 by electrifying the armature 46, which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38. More specifically, the armature 46 creates a magnetic field when electrified, and the magnetic field causes the magnets 44 to move to rotate one of the first and second fan blades 32, 38. The magnets 44 respond to electrification of the armature 46 to selectively rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 due to the armature 46 acting as a stator that drives motion of one of the first and second fan blades 32, 38 through the magnets 44 as a rotor. As such, the armature 46 acts as a stator that drives motion of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 through the magnets 44 as a rotor.

In certain embodiments, the single drive unit 42 is configured to indirectly operate the second fan 16 by electrifying the armature 46 which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate the second fan blades 38. Hence, when the second fan 16 is operating as the slave fan, the second fan blades 38 can rotate relative to the fixed armature 46. Therefore, there is no direct contact between the single drive unit 42 and the second fan blades 38 to cause the second fan blades 38 to rotate.

Continuing with FIG. 3, each of the first and second fan blades 32, 38 can include a proximal end 48 and a distal end 50. Generally, the proximal end 48 of each of the first and second fan blades 32, 38 are disposed closer to the respective first and second axes 34, 40 than the respective distal end 50 of the first and second fan blades 32, 38. The first and second fan blades 32, 38 can be any configuration to move gaseous fluid through the respective fans 14, 16.

In certain embodiments, the magnets 44 are disposed closer to the distal end 50 of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 than the proximal end 48 of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38. Furthermore, the armature 46 can be disposed closer to the distal end 50 of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 than the proximal end 48 of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38. In the embodiment with the magnets 44 being part of the second fan 16, the magnets 44 and the armature 46 are disposed closer to the distal end 50 of the second fan blades 38 than the proximal end 48 of the second fan blades 38.

Continuing with FIG. 3, one of the first and second fans 14, 16 can include an outer ring 52 spaced from the respective first and second central portions 30, 36 such that the respective plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38 are disposed between the outer ring 52 and the respective central portion. Generally, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of one of the fans 14, 16, and the magnets 44 are spaced around the outer ring 52. In certain embodiments, the magnets 44 are fixed to the outer ring 52 of one of the fans 14, 16, and thus, the outer ring 52, the fan blades 32, 38 and the magnets 44 rotate about the respective axis simultaneously. The magnets 44 can be spaced around the outer ring 52 in any suitable configuration, i.e., evenly spaced from each other, some magnets 44 closer to each other than other magnets 44, etc. The armature 46 can be disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the outer ring 52. In certain embodiments, the armature 46 can be disposed proximal to, and spaced from the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. It is to be appreciated that the magnets 44 can be secured or fixed to the outer ring 52 by any suitable way, such as adhesive and/or one or more of fasteners, snaps, tabs, clips, couplers, press fit, friction fit, interference fit, molding, welding, etc.

When the second fan 16 is the slave fan, the second fan 16 can include the outer ring 52 and the magnets 44. Therefore, in this configuration, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16, and the outer ring 52 is spaced radially away from the second axis 40. In this configuration, the second fan blades 38 are disposed between the outer ring 52 and the second central portion 36, and the armature 46 is disposed proximal to the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. The single drive unit 42 is configured to electrify the armature 46 when operating the second fan 16 which in turn causes the magnets 44 to interact with the armature 46 and rotate the plurality of second fan blades 38. Hence, the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the second fan 16 in this configuration. Said differently, the single drive unit 42 operates the second fan 16 as a slave. As such, the armature 46 creates the magnetic field when electrified which causes the magnets 44 to move to rotate the second fan blades 38.

In certain embodiments, the first and second fans 14, 16 each can include one outer ring 52 spaced radially away from the first and second central portions 30, 36 respectively. Generally, the first fan blades 32 can be disposed between the first central portion 30 and the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14, and, the second fan blades 38 can be disposed between the second central portion 36 and the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. The outer ring 52 of the second fan 16 can surround the second fan blades 38 and the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14 can surround the first fan blades 32. However, only one of the outer rings 52 supports the magnets 44 due to only one of the fans 14, 16 being the slave fan. Therefore, for example, if the second fan 16 is the slave fan, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. Alternatively, for example, if the first fan 14 is the slave fan, the magnets 44 are supported by the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14.

Continuing with FIG. 3, when the second fan 16 is operating as the slave fan, the second central portion 36 can include a plurality of spokes 54 spaced from each other to create openings 56 through the second central portion 36. In this embodiment, the openings 56 allow more gaseous fluid to flow through the second fan 16 than the first fan 14. Therefore, the openings 56 allow the flow of gaseous fluid therethrough, which increases the amount of gaseous fluid that can be expelled by the second fan 16 than when the second central portion 36 is blocked, and/or allow the fan 16 to be smaller while achieving the same airflow. Generally, the spokes 54 are spaced radially away from the second axis 40. When the first fan 14 is the slave fan, the first fan 14 can include the spokes 54 and the openings 56 instead of the second fan 16, and accordingly, the spokes 54 are spaced radially away from the first axis 34 in this configuration.

The first and second central portions 30, 36 can each include an inner ring 58. The first fan blades 32 are disposed between the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Similarly, the second fan blades 38 are disposed between the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Therefore, the first fan blades 32 are surrounded on opposing ends 48, 50 by the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. Furthermore, the second fan blades 38 are surrounded on opposing ends 48, 50 by the respective outer ring 52 and the respective inner ring 58. As such, the outer and inner rings 52, 58 of the second fan 16 can support the second fan blades 38, and the outer and inner rings 52, 58 of the first fan 14 can support the first fan blades 32.

When the second fan 16 is operating as the slave fan, the inner ring 58 is disposed between the second fan blades 38 and the spokes 54. When the first fan 14 is operating as the slave fan, the inner ring 58 is disposed between the first fan blades 32 and the spokes 54. Therefore, generally, the inner ring 58 surrounds the spokes 54 of one of the first and second fans 14, 16 in certain configurations.

The first central portion 30 and the second central portion 36 can be configured different from each other such that one of the central portions 30, 36 include the spokes 54 and the other one of the central portions 30, 36 does not include the spokes 54. As such, the inner ring 58 of the first central portion 30 and the inner ring 58 of the second central portion 36 can be configured differently from each other. For example, if the second central portion 36 includes the spokes 54, then the inner ring 58 of the first central portion 30 can be elongated relative to the first axis 34 to present a wall 60, and vice versa if the first central portion 30 includes the spokes 54.

The first and second fans 14, 16 can each include an axle 62 about which the first and second fan blades 32, 38 respectively rotate. In certain embodiments, the axle 62 of the first fan 14 can align with the first axis 34 and the axle 62 of the second fan 16 can align with the second axis 40. Optionally, a bearing 64 can be disposed between respective axles 62 and respective first and second fans 14, 16 to minimize friction as the first and second fan blades 32, 38 rotate.

When the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the second fan 16, then the single drive unit 42 directly operates the first fan 14. In this configuration, at least part of the single drive unit 42 overlaps the first central portion 30 such that the first central portion 30 is at least partially blocked by the at least part of the single drive unit 42 axially relative to the first axis 34. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 3, the single drive unit 42 can include a single motor 66 coupled to the first fan 14 to directly operate the first fan 14 to rotate the first fan blades 32. Therefore, the single motor 66 can be defined as part of the single drive unit 42 that overlaps the first central portion 30. As such, the single motor 66 overlaps the first central portion 30 such that the first central portion 30 is at least partially blocked by the single motor 66 axially relative to the first axis 34. Said differently, the first central portion 30 is at least partially blocked by the single motor 66 axially relative to the first central portion 30. Simply stated, the single motor 66 blocks part of the first fan 14. Hence, the flow of gaseous fluid through the first fan 14 is restricted in the location of the single motor 66. Therefore, the majority of the gaseous fluid passes through the first fan blades 32, instead of through the first central portion 30 due to the single motor 66 blocking the first central portion 30. When the single motor 66 directly operates the first fan 14, the second fan 16 is not blocked by the single motor 66 which allows more gaseous fluid to move through the second fan 16. Simply stated, when the single motor 66 directly operates the first fan 14 and is spaced from the second fan 16, more gaseous fluid flows through the second fan 16 than the first fan 14.

The single motor 66 can be any suitable type of motor that can operate to selectively rotate the first and second fan blades 32, 38 as described herein. Non-limiting examples of the single motor 66 can include an electric motor, a permanent magnet motor, a brushless motor, a brush motor, etc. If utilizing a brushless motor, the voltage of the motor is regulated and an rpm feedback signal loop is utilized to control the speed that the fan blades 32, 38 rotate. If utilizing a brush motor, a feedback sensor 68 is in communication with the motor and the armature 46 (which is schematically identified by phantom lines) to monitor the position of the fan blades 32, 38 of the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated and can utilize the rpm feedback signal loop to control the speed that the fan blades 32, 38 rotate. Hence, the feedback sensor 68 is not utilized with a brushless motor. Therefore, the feedback sensor 68 is optional depending on the type of motor being utilized.

Alternatively, when the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates the first fan 14, then the single drive unit 42 directly operates the second fan 16. In this configuration, the single motor 66 is coupled to the second fan 16 (instead of the first fan 14) to directly operate the second fan 16 to rotate the second fan blades 38. The single motor 66 overlaps the second central portion 36 such that the second central portion 36 is at least partially blocked by the single motor 66 axially relative to the second axis 40. Simply stated, the single motor 66 blocks part of the second fan 16. Hence, the flow of gaseous fluid through the second fan 16 is restricted in the location of the single motor 66. Therefore, the majority of the gaseous fluid passes through the second fan blades 38, instead of through the second central portion 36 due to the single motor 66 blocking the second central portion 36.

The single motor 66 is coupled to one of the first and second fans 14, 16 by any suitable components to allow the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38 to rotate when desired. Hence, the manner in which the single motor 66 is coupled to one of the first and second fans 14, 16 does not restrict the operation of the respective first and second fan blades 32, 38.

Turning back to the armature 46, as discussed above, the armature 46 and the magnets 44 cooperate to selective rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades 32, 38. The armature 46 is selectively electrified through the single motor 66. Therefore, one motor 66, i.e., the single motor 66, can be utilized to directly operate one of the fans 14, 16 and indirectly operate the other one of the fans 14, 16 through the armature 46. Referring to FIG. 3, the armature 46 can include a main body 70 and at least one finger 72 extending outwardly away from the main body 70. The finger 72 faces the magnets 44, and the main body 70 and the finger 72 are spaced from the magnets 44. The single drive unit 42 is configured to electrify the main body 70 and the finger 72 when operating the second fan 16. Any suitable number fingers 72 can be utilized, i.e., one or more fingers 72 can be utilized, and the finger(s) 72 are optional. Furthermore, the finger(s) 72 can be any suitable configuration.

The armature 46 is attached to the single motor 66 by an electrical wire 74 such that the single motor 66 can indirectly operate the armature 46. Hence, electricity is delivered or directed to the armature 46 through the single motor 66 by the electrical wire 74. The single motor 66 can receive electricity through a power source 76. Therefore, another electrical wire 74 can be attached to the single motor 66 and to the power source 76 to deliver or direct electricity to the single motor 66 and then to the armature 46. It is to be appreciated that any suitable number of electrical wires 74 can be attached to the single motor 66 and the armature 46.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the single drive unit 42 can include a controller 78 configured to control the single motor 66 and the armature 46. Therefore, the controller 78 is in communication with the single motor 66 to selectively operate the first and second fans 14, 16, i.e., operate one of the fans 14, 16 directly by the single motor 66 and operate another one of the fans 14, 16 indirectly through the armature 46. Simply stated, one controller 78 is utilized to control both of the first and second fans 14, 16. The controller 78 can be in communication with the power source 76 and the single motor 66 to control the single motor 66 and the armature 46. Therefore, the controller 78 communicates with the single drive unit 42 to directly and indirectly operate the respective first and second fans 14, 16 when desired. Furthermore, the controller 78 communicates with the power source 76 to deliver or direct electricity to the single motor 66 and/or the armature 46 through the single motor 66.

The controller 78 can include a processor 80 and a memory 82 on which is recorded instructions for communicating with the power source 76 and the single motor 66. The controller 78 is configured to execute the instructions from the memory 82, via the processor 80. The memory 82 can include, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory, etc. The controller 78 can also have random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A/D) and/or digital-to-analog (D/A) circuitry, and any required input/output circuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signal conditioning and/or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the controller 78 can include all software, hardware, memory 82, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessary to communication with the power source 76 and the single motor 66. It is to be appreciated that the controller 78 can be in communication with any other components, modules, vehicle systems, other controllers, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fan assembly 12 can also include a shroud 84. Generally, the shroud 84 can support the first and second fans 14, 16. Furthermore, as best shown in FIG. 3, the shroud 84 can define a first aperture 86 disposed along the first axis 34 and a second aperture 88 disposed along the second axis 40. As discussed above, the first and second fans 14, 16 can be spaced from each other. Therefore, the first and second apertures 86, 88 can be spaced from each other. The first fan 14 can be disposed in the first aperture 86 and the second fan 16 can be disposed in the second aperture 88.

Generally, the armature 46 can be secured to the shroud 84 adjacent to one of the first and second fans 14, 16. More specifically, the armature 46 is fixed to the shroud 84. The armature 46 can be disposed outside of the first and second fans 14, 16. Specifically, the armature 46 can be disposed outside of the outer ring 52. Therefore, the armature 46 remains stationary relative to movement of the first and second fan blades 32, 38. For example, when the second fan 16 is indirectly operated by the single drive unit 42, the armature 46 can be secured or fixed to the shroud 84 proximal to the magnets 44 and the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16. It is to be appreciated that more than one armature 46 can be secured to the shroud 84 around the fan 14, 16 that is to be operated indirectly.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the shroud 84 can include a first wall 90 defining a periphery of the first aperture 86. Generally, the first wall 90 faces the first axis 34 and the outer ring 52 of the first fan 14 faces the first wall 90. Furthermore, the shroud 84 can include a second wall 92 defining a periphery of the second aperture 88. Generally, the second wall 92 faces the second axis 40 and the outer ring 52 of the second fan 16 faces the second wall 92. The magnets 44 can face the shroud 84, and more specifically, the magnets 44 can face one of the first and second walls 90, 92. Therefore, depending on which of the fans 14, 16 is to be indirectly operated, the magnets 44 either face the first wall 90 or the second wall 92. For example, when the second fan 16 is indirectly operated by the single drive unit 42, the armature 46 can be secured or fixed to the shroud 84 adjacent to the second wall 92 such that the armature 46 can interact with the magnets 44 of the second fan 16.

The shroud 84 can include a first bracket 94 that indirectly supports the first fan 14 and a second bracket 96 that indirectly supports the second fan 16. Therefore, the first and second brackets 94, 96 are stationary, and the first and second fan blades 32, 38 can be rotatable relative to the shroud 84 and the first and second brackets 94, 96. When the first fan 14 is directly operated by the single drive unit 42, the single motor 66 is supported by the first bracket 94 and the axle 62 of the second fan 16 is supported by the second bracket 96. When the second fan 16 is directly operated by the single drive unit 42, the single motor 66 is supported by the second bracket 96 and the axle 62 of the first fan 14 is supported by the first bracket 94.

When the single drive unit 42 indirectly operates both of the fans 14, 16, the single drive unit 42 can include a plurality of armatures 46, and each of the fans 14, 16 can include magnets 44 that interact with respective armatures 46. Therefore, the general configuration of the second fan 16, with the corresponding armature 46, magnets 44, spokes 54, second bracket 96, as shown in FIG. 3 can be duplicated for the first fan 14 such that the first fan 14 has those same features. In this embodiment, the single motor 66 is remote to the first and second fans 14, 16. As such, the single motor 66 does not block either of the fans 14, 16, and can therefore be supported by the shroud 84 spaced from the fans 14, 16 as shown by phantom lines labeled with reference number 66 in FIG. 3. Therefore, referring to FIG. 3, the single motor 66 shown in solid lines would be removed from the center of the first fan 14, and the single motor 66 would be moved to a location spaced from both of the fans 14, 16 such as the illustration of the phantom single motor 66. It is to be appreciated that the phantom lines for the single motor 66 in FIG. 3 is for illustrative purposes only and can be any suitable location spaced from the first and second fans 14, 16.

Continuing with the single drive unit 42 indirectly operating both of the fans 14, 16, each of the armatures 46 are attached to the single motor 66 by respective electrical wires 74 such that the single motor 66 can indirectly operate the armatures 46. Hence, electricity is delivered or directed to the armatures 46 through the single motor 66 by the electrical wires 74. The single motor 66 can receive electricity through the power source 76 as discussed above.

As indicated above, the location of the first and second fans 14, 16 can be switched. For example, the location of the fans 14, 16 can be switched to move the single motor 66 away from a high heat area and/or to eliminate the need for one or more heat shields. Also, the single motor 66 can be moved to any suitable location away from the first and second fans 14, 16 to indirectly operate both of the fan 14, 16 which allows the single motor 66 to be moved away from a high heat area, and/or to eliminate the need for one or more heat shields, and/or to move the single motor 66 away from a tight packaging area. Furthermore, the fan assembly 12 described herein only utilizes one motor 66 and one controller 78 to selectively operate the first and second fans 14, 16, which reduces the number of components required and thus reduces the mass of the assembly 12. Additionally, the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated, i.e., the fan 14, 16 with the spokes 54, can have a reduced mass (due to the design not requiring two separate motors and/or due to the spokes 54/openings 56 area), which allows for less power to be utilized to rotate the fan blades 32, 38 and/or reduce noise, vibration, harshness (NVH). In addition, the fan 14, 16 that is indirectly operated can be reduced in size (due to the design moving the single drive unit 42 away from the fan 14, 16).

While the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the disclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the present description are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of the characteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can be combined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in words or by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A fan assembly comprising: a first fan including a first central portion disposed along a first axis and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion and spaced radially away from the first axis; a second fan spaced from the first fan, with the second fan including a second central portion disposed along a second axis and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion and spaced radially away from the second axis; and a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans, with the single drive unit being spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.
 2. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the single drive unit is coupled to one of the first and second central portions to directly operate the corresponding one of the fans, and the single drive unit is spaced from the other one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate the other one of the fans.
 3. The assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein one of the first and second fans includes a plurality of magnets, with the single drive unit interacting with the magnets in a spaced apart relationship when indirectly operating the respective one of the first and second fans which causes one of the plurality of first and second fan blades to rotate about the first and second axes respectively.
 4. The assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the single drive unit includes an armature disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the magnets, with the single drive unit configured to electrify the armature when operating the respective one of the first and second fans which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades.
 5. The assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein: each of the first and second fan blades includes a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end of each of the first and second fan blades being disposed closer to the respective first and second axes than the respective distal end of the first and second fan blades; and the magnets are disposed closer to the distal end of one of the plurality of first and second fan blades than the proximal end of the respective first and second fan blades.
 6. The assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein one of the first and second fans includes an outer ring spaced from the respective first and second central portions such that the respective plurality of first and second fan blades are disposed between the outer ring and the respective central portion, with the magnets being supported by the outer ring.
 7. The assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the single drive unit includes an armature disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the outer ring, with the single drive unit configured to indirectly operate one of the first and second fans by electrifying the armature which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades.
 8. The assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the second fan includes the outer ring and the magnets, and the plurality of second fan blades are disposed between the outer ring and the second central portion, and wherein the armature is disposed proximal to the outer ring of the second fan, with the single drive unit configured to electrify the armature when operating the second fan which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate the plurality of second fan blades.
 9. The assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein the single drive unit includes a single motor coupled to the first fan to directly operate the first fan to rotate the first fan blades, with the single motor overlapping the first central portion such that the first central portion is at least partially blocked by the single motor axially relative to the first axis.
 10. The assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the second central portion include a plurality of spokes spaced from each other to create openings through the second central portion which allows more gaseous fluid to flow through the second fan than the first fan.
 11. The assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein the single drive unit includes a controller configured to control the single motor and the armature.
 12. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 further including a shroud supporting the first and second fans, wherein the single drive unit includes an armature fixed to the shroud and disposed outside of the first and second fans, and wherein one of the first and second fans includes a plurality of magnets that respond to electrification of the armature to selectively rotate one of the plurality of first and second fan blades due to the armature acting as a stator that drives motion of one of the first and second fan blades through the magnets as a rotor.
 13. The assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein: the shroud defines a first aperture disposed along the first axis and a second aperture disposed along the second axis, with the first and second apertures spaced from each other; the first fan is disposed in the first aperture and the second fan is disposed in the second aperture; the shroud includes a first wall defining a periphery of the first aperture, with the first wall facing the first axis; the shroud includes a second wall defining a periphery of the second aperture, with the second wall facing the second axis; the second fan includes a plurality of magnets spaced from each other; the single drive unit includes an armature secured to the shroud adjacent to the second wall, with the armature disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the magnets; and the single drive unit is configured to indirectly operate the second fan by electrifying the armature which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate the second fan blades.
 14. The assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein the armature includes a main body and at least one finger extending outwardly away from the main body, with the finger facing the magnets, and wherein the single drive unit is configured to electrify the main body and the finger when operating the second fan.
 15. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the single drive unit includes a single motor coupled to the first fan to directly operate the first fan to rotate the first fan blades, with the single motor overlapping the first central portion such that the first central portion is at least partially blocked by the single motor axially relative to the first axis.
 16. The assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein the second central portion includes a plurality of spokes spaced from each other to create openings through the second central portion to allow a flow of gaseous fluid therethrough.
 17. The assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the first and second fans each include an outer ring spaced radially away from the first and second central portions respectively; the first fan blades are disposed between the first central portion and the outer ring of the first fan; the second fan blades are disposed between the second central portion and the outer ring of the second fan; the second fan includes a plurality of magnets supported by the outer ring of the second fan; and the single drive unit includes an armature disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the outer ring of the second fan, with the single drive unit configured to electrify the armature when operating the second fan which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate the second fan blades.
 18. The assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein: at least part of the single drive unit overlaps the first central portion such that the first central portion is at least partially blocked by the at least part of the single drive unit axially relative to the first axis; and the second central portion include a plurality of spokes spaced from each other to create openings through the second central portion to allow a flow of gaseous fluid therethrough.
 19. A fan assembly comprising: a shroud; a first fan supported by the shroud and including a first central portion and a plurality of first fan blades being supported by the first central portion; a second fan spaced from the first fan and supported by the shroud, with the second fan including a second central portion and a plurality of second fan blades being supported by the second central portion; and a single drive unit configured to selectively operate both of the first and second fans, with the single drive unit being spaced from at least one of the first and second fans to indirectly operate at least one of the fans.
 20. The assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein: the single drive unit includes a single motor coupled to the first fan to directly operate the first fan to rotate the first fan blades, with the single motor overlapping the first central portion such that the first central portion is at least partially blocked by the single motor axially relative to the first central portion; the second fan includes a plurality of magnets facing the shroud; the single drive unit includes an armature disposed proximal to, and spaced from, the magnets, with the single drive unit configured to indirectly operate the second fan by electrifying the armature which in turn causes the magnets to interact with the armature and rotate the second fan blades; and the single motor is spaced from the second fan such that more gaseous fluid flows through the second fan than the first fan. 